Kael

Monsters & Mates #2

by Becca Seymour

Falling for a royal guard with glowing eyes and a lethal energy punch? Definitely not on my Terrafeara survival bingo card. But here we are.

I’ve spent over two years in this stitched-together world of monsters, rebels, and volatile rifts, doing my best to stay under the radar—mostly. That ends the moment an Aussie crash-lands into my life, half-dead and dragging the Glowranth crown prince’s attention with him. Apparently, this stranger is fated for more than just trouble.

To save him, I’m forced to team up with Kael—prince’s guard, Glowranth warrior, and six-foot-plus of brooding, blue-skinned temptation who makes my pulse race and my sarcasm sharper. He’s loyal, lethal, and infuriatingly irresistible… and somehow, he might be mine. If I let him.

Now we’re trekking through hostile terrain, uncovering truths about our bond, the rebellion, and something far worse: these rifts may not be accidents. Someone could be creating them on purpose.

Time’s running out. The Aussie’s dying. Enemies are circling. And Kael and I are falling fast—whether I’m ready for it or not.

Because in a realm ruled by power and prophecy, love isn’t just messy. It’s world-altering.

This is a monster-filled romantic fantasy packed with portal-hopping, fated mates, and the kind of enemies-to-lovers tension that comes with forced proximity and clashing personalities. Expect “mine” vibes, hurt/comfort twists, alpha-level danger, and a spark-filled collision between sharp-witted sass and broody, battle-hardened muscle.

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Paranormal, M M Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, LGBT

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2025

About the author

Becca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.

Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek

Zone Defense

No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down


Fast Break

Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!


True-Blue 
Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us


Outback Boys 

Stumble | Bounce | Wobble


Fangs & Felons

Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone


Stand-Alone Contemporary

Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt


REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews

"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma

"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such

"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine

"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Sonny's humour throughout this book! It's so refreshing that the human's are all Australian rather than American too.

Sonny's pain when he realises that Kael has known he was his mate since Sonny first arrived years ago was awful! I wanted to hug Sonny so much!!

I liked how we learn more about the world they're living in now, and that there's more background and potential theories for why the rifts are happening. It did feel a little Indiana Jones like, but it was fun and silly and I'm looking forward to more to come from this series.

I also felt so bad for Varek! Pax seems like a total nightmare so far, so I'm curious to see what happens there...

[NitaBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that the series is giving me ‘Lily Mayne Monstrous series’ vibes… and I don’t mind.

Great world building, plot, well written and some lines are just comedy gold.

Book 1 Solan introduces us to this new landscape. Right from the get go, this book drags you in with action and what the hell is going on. Cos it’s all happening. We meet Jack, Jamie and Solan.

The two worlds , Earth and Terrafeara- there’s been this Cosmic bang and blending of worlds . Dimensional rifts.

We learn of mates and bonds.

There’s a Riftborn Rebellion, rebelling against the Queendom dictatorship.

Onto book 2!

Sonny lives in a Rebel hideout, doing menial things, bored, wondering, hoping for a mate.

Varek , the Riftborn Rebels’ group leader took pity on Sonny and saved his life. The Riftborn Rebels. are species that have been displaced, hunted, or forced under the rule of the queen.

An unconscious man , Dawson, is brought to the hideout- he’s the Prince Aelith’s mate.

‘The Glowranthian beside him. This one is huge—towering and broad. His glowing bioluminescent markings are subtler than the prince’s, nearly hidden in the shadow of his massive frame. A bodyguard. Everything about him screams danger, from the way his nostrils flare as he scans the room to the way his muscles tense beneath his dark armour. The effect is both hypnotic and infuriating.’

Kael is infuriating Sonny with his cold dismissive attitude.

Varek notes thot “ Most rifts pull from a specific location. A singular tear, leading from one place to another. But this one….” He glances at Dawson. “It sliced across Earth itself, didn’t it? Pulled from multiple locations?”

Dawson is an anomaly.

The Prince gets to meet his mate and it’s going well. Can’t wait to read their book 😂

There’s a strange tension between Sonny and Kael. Plus all the mixed signals and flirting from Kael.

Dawson collapses and almost dies.

Sonny and Kael set off on a mission to help him. Omg all I can picture of this harness is Sonny in an adult sized baby carrier, being strapped to Kaels front 🤣

Kael learnt English from Romance books.

Sonny finds out Kael is his mate , and he knew and didn’t come find him because of duty to the Prince. Ouch. Sonny is hurt and pissed off and tells Kael he doesn’t deserve him and he doesn’t want the bond. Although the bonding process has started.

‘He chose duty. He chose the prince. He chose to ignore me. Two fucking years he effectively abandoned me, deciding even before he met me that I wasn’t worth… well, anything.’

Kael wants to prove that he chooses Sonny. They kiss.

They find the dr and return back to the hideout.

Kael and his species can manipulate energy. The prince has been pushing his energy into Dawson to keep him alive while putting his own health at risk.

Kael and Sonny have some sexy times.

‘Holy fucking shitballs—luminous spunk! If unicorns were real, would their cum be just like this, but maybe with sparkles?’

In the war room, Solan tells about tracking rift patterns and data suggests there’s a possibility these rifts aren’t natural. That they’re being… manipulated. Created. The bonding doesn’t just link two people—it changes them. Strengthens them.

Sonny accidentally manipulates energy , causing his bedroom to fold. Sonny realises If energy can bend a room, manipulate the very space around us, then deliberately tearing through dimensions isn’t just a theory—it’s a possibility. With strength and intent.

Sonny and Kael are on another mission, to find a secret hidden library that may be able to help Dawson and the Prince.

We find out Varek has a mate, Pax. Ok now I want their story 🤣

‘The guy charges. Not at us. At Varek. He grabs the massive, horned rebel by the collar, yanks him down, and kisses him. Hard.’

Kael almost dies but Sonny saves him.

“Kael.” My voice breaks. “Stay with me. I love you. I love you, and you’re not dying. Do you hear me?”His eyes flicker open—barely. His voice is a rasp. “I love you.”


Tomorrow will be better. Dawson and Aelith will wake. The books will hold all the answers, and Varek will appear at the gates. And even if none of that happens, we’ll be okay. Together. Because Kael and I saved two lives tonight. Four if we include each other’s.

Now to wait for Varek’s book!

Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek | Aelith | Caly

[Demian Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

Second book in the Monsters & Mates series, Kael is definitely not one you want to read without starting at the beginning. The world of Terrafeara that the author created is incredibly creative. Full of strange landscapes and bits of other planets mashed together… so pretty complex. Jumping in without reading Solan (book one) will probably leave you confused. There’s also an overarching plot, so… read in order!

The story is told from Sonny’s POV, and just like in Solan, we only get Kael’s POV at the end of the book. Back to Sonny, he is a sarcastic, no-filter Australian human who’s been stuck in Terrafeara for two years now. He’s part of a rebel group, and he brings a ton of personality to the story. His “thinking thoughts” are fun, sharp, and sometimes unexpectedly heartfelt.
Opposite him is Kael, a serious and loyal Glowranth warrior who serves as the prince’s personal guard. While Sonny’s first impression of Kael is that he’s cold and distant, as the story goes on, both Sonny and the reader get to see his soft and caring side. He’s stoic with others but so loving toward Sonny once they get their act together.

I loved the way the author played with the fated mates trope. Kael and Sonny’s relationship isn’t insta-love, and it’s not quite enemies to lovers either. It’s more of a slow build, full of tension and misunderstandings (which actually work here, not just because of different cultures, but also different species). But there’s also genuine growth. Things don’t start off well between them, but they’re forced to work together, and we see their dynamic begin to shift. The obstacles they face are real, so their connection later in the story feels genuine and earned.

There’s also a solid overarching plot to the series, and the world continues to surprise both readers and characters alike. There’s also a great mix of action and just the right amount of humour. And, as always, there are side characters that add a lot to the story.

I’m already looking forward to Varek’s book and all the ones after that!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Kael is the second book in Becca Seymour’s Monsters and Mates series. While this story features a new couple in Sonny and Kael, I think these books are best read in order. This book continues the larger story set up in Solan, and much of the plot and world building carries over from that first story. Kael picks up in almost the immediate aftermath of the first book, after a rift occurs that brings Dawson, the crown prince’s fated mate. We also got the first hint in that book that there is more going on with the rifts and someone might be orchestrating them. So, here, both those storylines continue and converge, bringing Sonny and Kael together.

This story sets up the next romance (and if you read Seymour’s book list in the front, you will see who the three upcoming books will feature), and I’m very intrigued by this couple, as well as the others to come. I am finding this series a lot of fun and looking forward to more.

Read Jay's review in its entirety here.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kael is the second book in the Monsters & Mates series. Although this book could be read as a standalone, in my opinion the series is best read in order. This is the story of Kael a Glowranth warrior also a prince's bodyguard and Sonny a human. I love the characters and world building in the book. Sonny and Kael have so much to work out to get to their happy ending. I wish less time had Dawson and Prince Aelith and more one Sonny and Kael's relationship. Even with that thought I still couldn't put this book down. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Honestly I didn’t want this one to end. I adored Sonny & Kael

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Spoilers Ahead!) *I received this book from free through GRR for an unbiased review*

After re-reading Solan, diving back into Kael was like returning home—with the world suddenly fitting into place. Terrafeara’s patchwork landscapes and rifts made so much more sense, and the story hit even harder on round two.

🔎 Spoiler Zone

Sonny has been surviving in Terrafeara for two years, waiting for his fated mate—no luck. Enter Kael. When a stranger rifts in and the crown prince needs medical attention, Sonny’s camp becomes a rally point. The prince’s mate? Not exactly in one piece. Sonny’s quick wit meets Kael’s silent, brooding presence—and sparks fly, reluctantly.

Their tension explodes when Sonny intentionally irritates Kael, determined to draw him out. One emotional confrontation leaves them both vulnerable: Kael confesses he’s been guarding not just the prince, but the bond he’s felt pulling him toward Sonny—trying to resist it. Sonny’s sarcastic armor cracks here, revealing how deeply he's connected to Kael in ways he never expected.

A Library That Doesn’t Exist & A Devious Vortex

Meanwhile, they uncover a hidden "impossible library"—accessible only to those aligned with prophecy—and a rift vortex that’s not a random occurrence but intentionally created. This twist turns Kael from romantic fantasy into a fight against a shadowy enemy manipulating Terrafeara’s reality.

Their Big Moment

In a tender, heat-filled scene that’s more intimate than erotic, Sonny finally admits he loves Kael. There's zero “come for me” cringe—just raw confession and heartfelt surrender, a moment that’s earned through all their sarcastic banter and built-up tension.

Worldbuilding & Emotional Payoff

From the messy, dangerous world to emotional journeys, Kael blends action with heart. Sonny’s sarcasm stays sharp but softens, especially when he sees Kael’s fierce loyalty isn’t a barrier—it’s love. And Kael moving from stoic guard to devoted mate is both believable and swoon-worthy. The rebel camp stakes rise, the rift conspiracy deepens, and at the end, we're left with the satisfying glow of a couple who earned their happy.

Why I Loved It:

Slow-building fated mate tension that feels real, messy, and deeply satisfying

Zero cheesy erotica—just intimate, emotional moments

Worldbuilding that surprises every few chapters (who knew a secret library could hide rift answers?)

Characters with depth—Sonny’s sarcasm is a shield, Kael’s loyalty becomes vulnerability

Action & revelation all rolled into a propulsive plot with emotional heft

If you loved:

Witty, emotionally guarded MCs

Blue-skinned alien guards who melt under bright Aussie sass

A plot twist involving rift manipulation and secret lore

Meaningful, non-creepy intimacy

…then Kael is a must-read—just be sure to read Solan first. And that peek at the next pair? I’m counting the days until it releases! 😍

[Taylin Clavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Love Bytes – 5 hearts.
Sonny was rifted to Terrafeara two years ago and has yet to find his mate --- that’s about to change. An unexpected person gets transported through a rift, who turns out to be the fated mate of the prince, which brings the royal and his guard, Kael, to the camp. The prince’s mate is not a well bunny, and intervention is required. Then, after some major revelations and embarrassment, Sonny vows to make his partner suffer through irritation and whatever else Sonny can conjure. Little does he know of the secret Kael keeps.
Kael is the second of five books in the Monsters & Mates series. After the beautifully written, organised chaos of book one, Solan, which gave the reader a sense of the newly rifted experience, the narrative feels somewhat straightforward. However, the tale features new elements, such as a vortex and a library that, in theory, doesn’t exist and is more challenging to access than any Indiana Jones adventure.
The story is told in the first person from Sonny’s viewpoint and contains a single chapter at the end by Kael. One of the aspects that I loved is that in the sexier times, there was none of this ‘come for me’ malarky. Instead, Becca Seymour uses her wonderful imagination to come up with sexier, much more intimate phrases that I whooped with joy to read. As for worldbuilding – that’s a difficult one because Terrafeara contains slices of other planets, so the possibilities are endless. What is around the corner cannot be predicted, and is well demonstrated within the pages.
Sonny is a practically minded sceptic who uses his mastery of sarcasm as his primary language, a mask, a way of coping, and an irritant in varying degrees. He is also a determined individual made for survival. So, if he gets annoyed, heaven help the individual in his sight.
Kael is a royal guard who learned English from a library of romance novels rifted into Terrafeara. He is a loyal individual, and that loyalty kept him away from Sonny for so long. The depth of his personality comes to the fore as the book progresses. Initially, he came across as quite cold, but by the end, he was anything but.
Kael and Sonny's journey is vital to a group of rebels, where trouble is unfolding, and the group has much manoeuvring to do. It is a tale of fated mates set in a world where one doesn’t know what slip of land is around the corner. These quirks make the story unique and a thoroughly engaging page-turner. Towards the end, I also got a glimpse of the next pairing, and I am sooooo looking forward to that one.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.

[MsGarviel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an free copy of this book from GRR and the author. This review is my honest onion of the book*

This it's the second book in the series. I would say that it is needed to be read on order. The author does alot of her world building for Terrafeara in the first book and I think that if you read this without it, you'd end up very confused! This series does give me slight monstrous vibes with an added fated mates aspect but I am enjoying it; the world building is well thoughtout and well written/fleshed out. There is an overarching plot between the different books on the series.

I do like what the author did with the fated mates tropes - it isn't insta love, as with the first book, but it is not outward rejected matebond either. The relationship between them grows, and builds naturally as the book progresses. Sonny and Kael - who are extremely different but just because they are a different species - are forced to work together and it is through this proximity that they are and to start to get over thier differences. There are some misunderstandings between them - a trope i don't always enjoy - but I think the author used it well here in the context of them not only being so different personality wise, but culturally too. Sonny is pretty sarcastic and snarky whilst Kael is pretty stoic - despite that they do work together as a couple and I thought there bond felt genuine/well written. Especially as Sonny gets to learn why Kael is as stoic/standoffish as he is.

My only complaint was that I felt too much of the book was focused on Dawson/Prince Aelith and not Kael/Sonny and them growing as a couple etc

I liked the side characters - Henry especially - and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best read in order. Do not jump into book 2 without reading book 1. The world building will confuse you, or rather the world building confused me.

Despite saying that, I love that mouth on Sonny. His sassiness brought an element of comic relief to the intense dystopia/end of the world monster vibe there. Seeing the world from his POV was definitely interesting.

I was thinking that I didn’t like how it was like hate to lovers so quickly because it seemed the first 30 percent of the book was Sonny hating on Kael, then BOOM fated mates and he just suddenly found Kael hot, but I’m going to make an exception for this because Sonny was just the best.

I really like Henny. I wonder if there is more of him in book 1.

It’s HEA or at least HFN for Sonny and Kael, but story is far from over. We’re just in book 2… it doesn’t look like it will end until 5.

I started reading this due to the author being an attending author for one of the book cons I’m going to later this year, but I really should have started with book 1. I’ve read a contemporary book of hers and enjoyed her brand of writing, so I didn’t think too much about jumping into this, nor did I know this was a series. I didn’t look too closely, so that’s on me.

So just know that if you jump into this series in book 2, there is a lot of world building and lots of species’ names and such to keep track. Maybe someone else will have an easier time in keeping track of it all. And nothing much happens in this book, but their relationship just sorta moves along the overarching plot line, however Sonny and his mouth just made it entertaining enough. So four stars from me.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonny is an Aussie club promoter who through a twist of fate? has ended up being pulled through 'the rift' and onto a new planet several years ago. He's street smart, witty, and enjoys 'poking the bear' (in a caring way! mostly! lol. some folks deserve the full sass, ya know?!). He's worked hard to train, to learn, and to make himself useful to the Rebels -- and the rebel leader who saved him.

When an enemy prince and his body guard show up in the rebel camp, Sonny is.... less than amused. He thinks the prince is rude, the bad guy, and his bodyguard Kael? Well.... he may be big and hot and attractively burly (not that Sonny cares about any of that?!) but there's also an energy between them.

Turns out their fated mates and stuck together to help save a life, solve a mystery, and maybe... fall in love?

When we met Sonny and Kael in Solan (M&M 1), we only got quick glimpses of both, so I was excited to see their book was up next. I really enjoyed Sonny and Kael! They come from different worlds (literally) but also stations/circumstances of life. I liked how they bantered, their chemistry and their willingness to be vulnerable with each other.

We got more world building and series mystery action here! The relationship and action plot were heavily intertwined. Felt like the pacing was a little slower in parts than in Solan, but it didn't stop me from reading this in two days.

Kael is book 2 in the Monsters & Mates series and is best read in order as there is an ongoing story arc throughout.


*GRR arc reader. Thoughts and opinions my own*

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series so far! It's so different to anything else I've read and includes so many much loved tropes - fated mates, hurt/comfort, monster/human romance.
Kael and Sonny do not work as a pair on paper but together, they fit. One a stoic guard to the prince, the other a snarky human who came through a rift two years ago. Now they have to travel together to help save a human that has just come through but in an even worse way. Secrets uncovered, feelings hurt and a relationship built whilst they work to save two people's lives and maybe help uncover the mystery behind the rifts.
The relationship that builds between these two travels the fine line of hurtful to start with, hot, sweet and amazement for what the other is capable of. I'm so engrossed in just how far back or how deep the secrecy goes to what is behind the rifts that is bringing humans to this world and cannot wait for the next book, which is going to be one hell of an emotional ride. Also, Henny is a true delight and I wish I could meet them! lol!
Sonny is highly entertaining and not scared to mouth back at others but can at least back it up a little, whilst Kael is definitely the strong silent type but one who is sworn to protect the prince, not to find himself a fated mate.
I cannot recommend this series enough, though it is one that has to be read in order.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonny is a human that was pulled through a rift over two years ago. He lives in Dathanor with the other Riftborn Rebels. He's been working to improve himself, so that he can be useful to the Rebellion. He meets Kael when Kael and Prince Aelith come looking for Dawson, another human pulled through a rift.

Kael is a Glowranth warrior and personal guard to Prince Aelith. He's all about duty and right now that's protecting the prince. He's not about to let the human distract him from his duty.

These two don't meet in the best of circumstances and it quickly starts heading downward. Sonny is hurt by Kael's actions and this leads to a bumpy ride, with some snarky attitude from Sonny. It doesn't take long for Sonny to learn why Kael is so standoffish. This makes the situation even worse.

This was a good book. I'm really liking the series. The world and character building are good. I really liked Sonny and Kael together. While I liked the story, I did feel like it spent too much time on Dawson and Prince Aelith's situation. First they go on a mission to find a doctor for Dawson and then the go on another mission to find Glowranth history in an attempt to help Dawson. I really wished the story had focused a little more on Sonny and Kael bonding. I really liked this followup to Solan. Looking forward to reading Varek's

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kael is the second book in Becca Seymour's Monsters & Mates series. It's been fifteen rifts since Sonny was rifted from Sydney. In a world where humans meet their fated mate within a week of their rift, Sonny never has. And he really doesn't care, because who needs a mate. Except he really does care and wonders if there's something wrong with him that his mate hasn't surfaced. An injured human, Dawson, is brought into Dathanor by his mate Aelith, the son of the queen who Sonny and friends are rebelling against and it's ironic that he gets a human as a mate. He's accompanied by Kael, his bodyguard. Kael is Sonny's mate, but he didn't claim him, for reasons that do get explained.
So, there's hurt feelings. And some anger. Kael's stoicism and Sonny's snark make this a delightful adversaries to lovers story. Misunderstandings, a journey, misunderstandings, and keeping Sonny out of danger. And when they both fall.... heart eyes!
Loved the worldbuilding and the descriptions of the Riftborn. This book also had dual MCs, which I've never read about before. I don't know if Aelith and Dawson will get a book of their own because much of their story was told here.
There's plenty more to discover about Terrafeara. Next book is Varek's. That should be fun.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonny is a delightfully inappropriate, sarcastic Australian with the added bonus that silence is not his strong suit. He has been in Terrafera for 2 years and found a safe place for himself with the rebels. Well as safe as anywhere can be in Terrafeara. He’s also a bit peeved that humans who crash-land through the rift tend to find their fated mates immediately but that’s not been the case for him.
Circumstances lead to Royal Guard Kael entering his life and things are never the same again. Their first meeting doesn’t really leave Sonny with a good impression of Kael but when they are sent out of the compound to locate a human doctor Sonny’s ill feelings for him begin to change. They have plenty of hurdles to overcome in the course of their relationship but nothing that stops these two from getting a well deserved HEA.
It’s a very engaging and enjoyable read with two wonderful main characters and a very interesting cast of side characters to keep things interesting. The overarching plot continues with the gaining of a bit more knowledge coming to light. I really love the world building in this series, the well balanced plot and romance elements and the little bit of insight into the next in the series. I can’t wait!

[Eli M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is my first time reading Becca Seymour and I am definitely a new fan. The world she has created is so unique, and the premise of the rift and the chaos it causes leads to amazing story possibilities.

This book is one of my favorites of the year. I love Sonny and his internal dialogue had me laughing and highlighting more than I have in a long time. He is so self-aware, knowing his worth but also having the moments of self-doubt that make characters feel more realistic. I love that he knows when to lean in to the tiny agent of chaos he is capable of being.

His relationship with Kael, and their version of the fated mates trope, is also very unique. So as not to spoil anything, I’ll just say that the author sets it up so they aren’t really enemies to lovers, but it also isn’t insta love like so many other fates mate stories. There is still that romantic element/pull the trope offers, but she gives them very real obstacles their relationship has to overcome, which allows it to not just feel like fate, but also a choice.

Not only are the plot and characters enticing, but the writing is also superb. This book was so fun and emotional from start to finish, with no dull moments.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

“Kael” is the second book in the ‘Monsters and Mates’ series by Becca Seymour. It centers around Sonny, a sassy Aussie who is forced into close proximity to stoic Glowranth bodyguard to the prince, Kael. During a desperate race to save a fellow Aussie, Sonny and Kael must learn to work together and find a way to deal with the surprising connection they are forming…if they live through their quest.

This adult gay paranormal romance continues to explore the bonds that form between humans and the remarkable beings who populate an alternate world that is somehow drawing males from a particular area of Earth. The author is adept at exploring the importance of perception and its effects on the connections that are formed. I had trouble connecting to this particular pair but was still intrigued by all of the cantankerous beings that inhabit this world. There are plenty of dangling strings that connect these stories, and one can’t help but be entertained by sassy Sonny and to feel for the conflict that Kael has to overcome. This is an imaginative story set in a harsh world, and I am sure there will be additional adventures that involve even more Aussies.

A copy of this title was provided for review

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series and I do think it's important to start at the beginning even though the focus is on a new couple here. Sonny is a human who was pulled through a rift a while ago. He's at the riftborn rebels base and has settled in well. Kael is a bodyguard to the prince and while we kind of know that he's Sonny's fated, it takes Sonny a little while to connect the dots. I will say that it was a bit of a rollercoaster when Sonny realizes that Kael did feel the pull when he first rifted in but chose not to find him. My heart bled for Sonny. I love his sarcasm and tough shell he puts up to hide his soft heart. However, I think it's not quite so black and white for Kael and while Kael does have to prove that he will put Sonny first, I think it's unfair for us to just expect him to drop everything he's been "born" for an unknown. These two do have nice chemistry and I loved watching Sonny choose to let him in.

The overarching plot keeps moving forward. I will say that I expected to see more of Jack and Solan as I thought they'd be more involved. We see them a bit, but for a lot of this Kael and Sonny are on their own or with new characters. This is a really interesting world and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!

[Crystal Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kael is the second book in Becca Seymour's Monsters & Mates series, and it was a great read! I really enjoyed the first book in the series Solan, and Kael was just as angsty but in a different way.

The two main characters are Sonny, a sarcastic Aussie, and Kael, a Glowranth royal bodyguard to a prince who is seeking his own fated mate. Humans don't feel the pull in the same way that non-humans do so Kael was aware that Sonny was his mate first, and you could tell that their lovestory was not going to be an easy one.

Kael and Sonny are thrown together on an expedition to find a doctor for Dawson, the newest human thrown into the monter realm. The continued world building along with Kael and Sonny's fight to embrace their fated bond made for a nailbiting read.

I highly recommned this series if you enjoy monsters, romance and adventure. Varek is the next in the series, and I am very upset that I saw that the next book isn't coming out until 2026! Not to put too much pressure on Becca, but maybe she'll finish early?!?

Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews and Becca Seymour for the ARC!

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

More mates from Becca

Well now I have another book to read. I have to go back and read the first book in this series because this one was terrific. Becca Seymour is a dab hand at writing monsters and those in this book are no exception. Kael is perhaps not the most interesting monster in this book even though he is one of the main couple, but that’s just because there are tons of interesting monsters in this book. Ms Seymour must have had lots of fun coming up with all of these various types of monster and how about the whole rift thing that she has made very interesting.
Kael and his human Sonny go through a lot and I love the sh1t that Sonny gives to Kael and how he never fails to stand up for himself. This is a big part of why I want to go back and read book one because I suspect that Sonny was not like that before he came to Terrafeara and now I really want to find out.
You get the usual stuff from a Becca Seymour book and if you don’t know what that is then I recommend you look her books up because if you like romance, snark, monsters, MM romance, great plots and of course more snark then you will love her writing.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Being the exception to every damn rule is not my idea of a good time. Varek has this theory that all humans who’ve crossed the rift into Terrafeara have a destined mate just waiting to be discovered and bonded to. Everyone except me that is. And it’s not even like it’s down to a waiting game. Every other human here— and other humans who Varek, Shanae, and literally every creature and species here have come across— have met their fated within a week of the rift.'

I loved this book. It was a fun, fast-paced adventure. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Kael and Sonny. I fell in love with Sonny from his first page. I love his personality, his humor, and his energy. He keeps a strong unbothered front, but beneath is a vulnerability and a loneliness. He doesn't let it get him down, though, and I loved his sass and snark. Kael needed to grow on me because of what he did- though I could understand it- but poor Sonny! I'd be hurt and pissed, too. I loved the supporting characters. I got so curious and invested in so many of them. I was completely hooked and can't wait until Varek! 5 stars.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series with its mix of interesting characters and wonderful worldbuilding. I like how every relationship is different, as well as being between humans and other species. I’m already hanging out for the next book in the series.

Kael and Sonny’s story is opposites attract in so many ways. Their personalities and life experience bring a lot of contrast as to how they approach a situation, and I liked the complication of Kael’s responsibilities towards the prince. I loved Sonny’s snark, and how he holds his own against some annoying bad guys, and the consequences of his and Kael’s bond. Sonny’s slowness is working out what’s going on is fun.

I love the descriptions of Terrafeara, and how dangerous it is. I also liked the deepening of the rift mystery, and how this story adds to the series arc. I enjoyed seeing Soren and Jack again, and how they fitted into the story too. I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Iris. I love how she holds her own with Henny.

I love Varek and the glimpse of his and Pax’s relationship, or lack of it, is intriguing. I hope Dawson and Aelith get their own book. I’d love to read their relationship from their perspective.

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonny is an Aussie who was ripped two years ago from Earth in a rift to Terrafeara, a land full of aliens, monster and plant life that will kill you. He’s maintained a safe existence in the rebel compound and wants to keep it that way. What he didn’t plan on was a Golden Retriever Aussie who dropped on their doorstep followed shortly by the native Glowranth Crown Prince and his gigantic blue skinned bodyguard. A little medical attention, some decent food and hot showers and the prince and his fated mate are really hitting it off.
Suddenly that young man is dying, the prince is trying to share his life force to save him, and Sonny and Kael must trek for days to reach a human doctor who is mated to a not so friendly alien.
This is book 2 in a four book series. Prior reading is required but each release ends in an HEA with a continuing storyline. I loved the first two, great world building here. Can’t wait for the rest. This is the second Becca release that I have gone down the rabbit hole for, Fangs and Felons being the first.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in series (Monsters & Mates), must be read in order. Paranormal sci-fi/fantasy. Fated mates. Hurt/comfort. Slow burn. Single POV.

Sonny has been stranded and surviving on Terrafeara for a couple of years, one of the few humans brought through a rift, he’s part of the rebellion and wondering why he’s not found his fated mate as most others have. Finding out the royal bodyguard Kael is his fated mate, and he never came to find Sonny makes their initial dealings difficult and hurtful.

This story was fully entertaining with sarcastic Sonny that can hold his own, and the cinnamon roll Kael that regrets the separation from Sonny but will do anything to make it up to him. Every moment Kael and Sonny are on page together is wonderful, the hurt feelings, the undeniable bond, the mutual protectiveness and actual earnest caring for each other was so fun to read. I am fully invested in the overarching plotline to find out why/how the rifts are happening and these really great characters (main and secondary) getting their HEA’s. 4.5 rounded up

[Emilyrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fantastic instalment in the Monsters and Mates series. The star of the book for me was Sonny through and through. I loved his internal monologue, his sarcastic attitude, how he didn't just magically let things go but actually worked through them and how caring he was to those around him. Kael was much more closed off and took a while to get to know; he was hidden behind his 'duty' for a chunk of the story but when we saw beneath that it was obvious how much he cared. There was plenty of action, the world building continues to be interesting and I was fully invested in them as a couple. Although there's only a few steamy moments, they did have lots of chemistry and by the end I could feel the emotion between them. I enjoyed how the epilogue gave us a tiny glimpse from Kael's perspective - I'd have loved a few more of these but that's mainly because I'm being greedy! There's a solid HEA for the couple but the overarching story is clearly to be continued. Overall, a brilliant read and I can't wait for the next one!

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonny & Kael
I thought it was interesting that the book was written completely from Sonny's point of view. Even though the book is titled after Kael, we only get one small section at the end with his point of view and it certainly doesn't seem like enough. They went through so much in the story that it would have been really interesting to get the Glowranth's perspective.

Like book 1, this book had a lot of action and drama built into the story. And I loved the scenes that Becca painted for us, as the detail was so finely described the available visuals in the book were incredible. I'm always in awe of those that can paint such a beautiful picture, even when the subject matter may not always be beautiful. This story contains a decent amount of violence and gory situations, but they work alongside the plot perfectly.

It's difficult to accurately sum up all the specifics I loved about Kael. As mentioned, my only disappointment was the lack of Kael's POV in the story, but otherwise this story was incredible, the characters were fascinating, and I'm crazy excited to see how the series continues with Varek's story.

I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!

This is book two in the author’s Monsters and Mates series and features Kael, Terrafeara’s own Glowranth prince’s bodyguard and Sonny, an Aussie human rebel from a previous planetary rift. They must work together in order to save the prince and his human fated mate before they’re discovered by the queen or destroyed by a small faction of radical insurgents within the rebellion.

This was wild as well as wildly imaginative with attention to detail like you wouldn’t believe! Book one was my favorite I think though, probably because it had more romance to it whereas this one was more action oriented but it picked up where Solan left off and answered questions that one left behind. It definitely shouldn’t be attempted as a standalone in my opinion, you’re guaranteed to be lost as they’re building upon each other in each consecutive book. The next one is Varek and, based on events in Kael, I can’t wait to read it. For Sonny and Kael though, 4.25 stars!

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠.⁣
⁣
ᴋᴀᴇʟ, book two in the 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 & 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 series by Becca Seymour, is Kael and Sonny’s journey.⁣
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Kael and Sonny’s journey is tension-filled from the very first page since Kael is a royal guard and Sonny has been trained not to trust anyone attached to the royals. But when things turn from bad to worse, Kael and Sonny must work together to fix things. Oh, they are also fated mates…⁣
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Kael and Sonny start as enemies-ish, but once they give in to their bond, they become something magical. Kael and Sonny are opposites in every way, with Kael the serious one and Sonny the snarky one.⁣
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A lot more has happened since book one, and this cliffhanger-ish story proves there is so much more for this crew of Riftborns.⁣
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Vibes this book contains…⁣
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MM • Monster/Human • Enemies • Interspecies • Close/Forced Proximity • Fated Mates • Opposites⁣
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‼️ 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙒 • 𝙏𝙒 ‼️⁣
⁣
🍁🍁🍁🍁

[Shannon Winning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is starting to become one of the favorites of the year! I love how everything just flows and is so easy to read, was able to knock this out in one day because of that.

I love sweet Kael who is torn between duty and his fated mate, you get to see him struggle along with the mystery of the riffs as well. Sonny is his human mate full of sarcasm and tough exterior but all he’s ever wanted was to be wanted, to be good enough for someone. These two have a lot of issues to get through for there happy ending a lot with the mystery of what is truly going on with the riffs that keep pulling human into the monster world.

I couldn’t put this down, I just couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen with these mates that were destin for each other and the adventure they had to endure to find answers.

I loved all the side characters and I can’t wait for the rest of this series I just know it’s going to be amazing!!

[Tris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. It started out so well too. I really liked Kael and I enjoyed the chemistry he had with Sonny. The lead up to their relationship and little hints to what they were to each other was so sweet and filled with tension. Then suddenly - they were together. Yes i know fated mates blah blah… but it just didn’t feel right to me and it just went downhill from there and I was only a quarter a way in.

There was so much to not like about this book.

- The forced Aussie slang at the start when Dawson and Sunny met and started chatting was god dang awful (have you seen my profile? I’m Aussie and I do not talk like that so be for real).
- Sonny develops his “energy” and it’s kinda dangerous but yea ok let’s not train him up or anything (eye roll)
- Jack was so so so annoying. His insistence to go home felt terribly selfish
- I did not like Dawson.

Seriously. After a great start the book did not improve after the 25% mark.